Sheridan Smith has reportedly ‘signed a deal’ to return for the last ever episode of Gavin & Stacey.
The actress, 42, is said to be joining the iconic cast for the Christmas special as James’ on-screen sister Rudi Smith, which will mark the finale of the beloved sitcom.
Despite recent reports Sheridan would not be involved, sources working on the BBC have been told informal discussions with the star have already taken place – as per The Mirror.
Just earlier this month, sources close to the award-winning actress told MailOnline there have been ‘no conversations’ about a return to the much-loved BBC sitcom, which James, 45, and co-writer Ruth Jones, 57, confirmed last month would be back for a final instalment on Christmas Day.
But now it seems things might have take a turn and there might be hope for a legendary reunion for the books.
Sheridan Smith has reportedly ‘signed a deal’ to return for the last ever episode of Gavin & Stacey (pictured last month)
The actress is said to be joining the iconic cast for the Christmas special as James’ on-screen sister Rudi Smith
‘The script for Gavin & Stacey: The Finale includes all of the show’s major players – including Smithy’s sister Rudi. Nothing has been signed and conversations are still very much ongoing – especially as the filming date has not been set,’ the source told the publication.
‘But all of the stops are being pulled out to make sure the whole cast are there, and in the coming weeks the production team hope to pin down everyone’s availability.
‘Sheridan and James are still friendly – they recently bumped into each other at the Variety Club Awards and got on really well. So the hope is that she will be able to be part of it.’
The telly source added Sheridan did not appear in the Christmas Special episode in 2019 because her character was ‘not part of the storyline’, although this time it is a ‘different story’.
MailOnline has contacted both Sheridan and BBC’s representatives for a comment.
Sheridan played Ruth ‘Rudi’ Smith, known for her tumultuous relationship with James’s character Smithy, plus their impromptu raps, and is a cult favourite with fans.
The actress dated James for two years between 2007-2009 and the pair are believed to be on good terms.
They both attended The Variety Club Showbusiness Awards at the end of April where James was the recipient of the Outstanding Global Achievements in Broadcasting, Acting and Comedy accolade.
Despite earlier claims Sheridan wouldn’t join the cast – it seems things might have take a turn as a source told The Mirror: ‘The script for Gavin & Stacey: The Finale includes all of the show’s major players – including Smithy’s sister Rudi’
Sheridan played Ruth ‘Rudi’ Smith, known for her tumultuous relationship with James’s character Smithy, plus their impromptu raps, and is a cult favourite with fans
They both attended The Variety Club Showbusiness Awards at the end of April where James was the recipient of the Outstanding Global Achievements in Broadcasting, Acting and Comedy accolade (James posing with Gavin & Stacey co-star Ruth Jones at the event)
James and Ruth confirmed the sitcom’s return on social media with a post featuring the creators holding up a script titled Gavin and Stacey: the finale earlier this month.
Fans will finally discover whether or not Smithy and Nessa end up together and, potentially, find out what happened on that notorious fishing trip.
Unlike Sheridan, the show’s main stars have been contacted to ensure their diaries are clear to film the final episode, which will air on Christmas Day on BBC1.
Speaking about her excitement over the comedy’s last hurrah on her new podcast with EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy, Joanna, who plays Stacey Shipman, said: ‘I’m so excited to see the gang again and start filming, and I can’t wait to find out if Smithy has said yes. I can’t wait to find out what’s happening to everybody.
‘I’m going to have to keep that script away from your [Natalie’s] little paws but yeah we are going to be able to review it on our show at Christmas and I will be very cross if you aren’t sitting down on Christmas Day watching me!’
Mother-of-one Sheridan, who recently split from boxer boyfriend Dave ‘Rocky’ Ryan, suffered a blow last month when it was revealed her new West End stage show Opening Night was closing two months early.
The musical, which depicted Sheridan’s character undergoing a distressing mental breakdown, debuted in March with an initial run planned until July.
However, the show abruptly ended and will now conclude on May 18, two months earlier than expected.
James and Ruth confirmed the sitcom’s return on social media with a post featuring the creators holding up a script titled Gavin and Stacey: the finale earlier this month
The show’s main stars have been contacted to ensure their diaries are clear to film the final episode, which will air on Christmas Day on BBC1 (pictured 2019)
Speaking shortly after the announcement, Sheridan confessed: ‘I feel bad for the team and all the work they put in, but I’m at that age now where I want to be challenged. I want to do new things; I don’t want to do that same old boring stuff. I would do it again in a heartbeat, so I have no regrets.’
She added to The Sunday Times, some people have loved it, explaining, ‘It’s kind of like a cult thing, and the original film was panned when it first opened, so this might not be the end of it.’
The in-demand actress had previously won praise months previous for her role in Paramount+ series The Castaways in which she overcame a fear of water to star in the thriller.
